but he ruled out higher tax rates. most democrats have ruled out all of those cuts, arguing they would undermine the nation's most successful programs. the president asked for, but it appears republicans would be unlikely to agree to give the president the ability to raise the debt limit unless a super- majority in congress disapproves after the fact. that option was developed by senator mcconnell himself. >> members hate that vote, as you know, because they are voting to increase the debt, but that's why they should have it, because it's a reminder of what this fiscal policy is doing and it holds congress accountable for doing it. >> reporter: so the first week or real bargaining on the fiscal cliff ended with a loud chorus of "no's." and there are only a few more weeks left to get to yes on some of the toughest policy issues dividing democrats and republicans. darren gersh, "n.b.r.," washington. >> tom: many companies aren't waiting on washington to reach an agreement on taxes and spending. they're taking action now